PV-powered robotic lawn mower from New Zealand
Researchers from Massey University in New Zealand have developed a robotic lawn mower with three 50 W solar panels and a 20 Ah lithium-iron-phosphate (LiFePO4) battery. Two of the PV panels can be retracted and stacked inside the robot. They slide out when it needs to recharge its batteries.
NZ hydrogen startup claims it’s ‘cracked the iridium problem,’ raises $2.3m in seed round
A newly-launched New Zealand startup claims its catalyst layer technology reduces the amount of iridium and platinum needed for electrolysis by a factor of 25. The startup, a spinout from a research institute, has raised NZD 2.5 million ($2.3m/USD 1.55m) in a seed funding round.
NZ to fast-track approval process for solar projects
New Zealand’s large-scale solar market is set to shift up a gear with the government announcing two new projects with a combined generation capacity of more than 500 GWh per annum have been referred for fast-track consenting.
Lodestone breaks ground on 32 MW solar farm in NZ
New Zealand renewables developer Lodestone Energy’s plans to develop an initial suite of five large-scale solar farms with a combined generation capacity of more than 365 GWh per annum has reached another milestone with construction beginning on the second of the projects.
NZ to progress 8.5 TWh pumped hydro project
The New Zealand government will further investigate the viability of establishing a pumped hydroelectric facility on the South Island that would provide up to 8.5 TWh of annual generation and storage capacity to support the nation’s transition to 100% renewable electricity generation.
Europe introduces new green hydrogen rules
The European Commission has presented the final version of its new rules for green hydrogen, with looser requirements to qualify hydrogen as “green.”
Lightsource bp lands 150 MW solar farm deal at NZ airport
Lightsource bp and ‘gen-tailer’ Contract Energy’s plans to build up to 380 GWh of annual generation of grid-scale PV in New Zealand by 2026 are now in motion with the companies chosen to develop what will be one of the nation’s largest solar farms on the South Island.
Agrivoltaic project set to become New Zealand’s first utility-scale solar farm
New Zealand government-owned Genesis Energy and renewables partner FRV Australia have purchased an advanced 52 MW agrivoltaic solar project on New Zealand’s South Island. If the project meets its 2024 operational target as anticipated, it will be the country’s first utility-scale solar farm.
Mobile hydrogen refuelling stations set for remote mines and industrial sectors
A distribution agreement between Europe-based Enermech and Wolftank Group will see mobile hydrogen refuelling stations installed at remote mine sites and industrial sectors across Australia and New Zealand.
Contract awarded for New Zealand’s first big battery
New Zealand is set to have its first big battery by 2024, after Meridian Energy awarded a contract to build the 100 MW / 200 MWh Ruakākā Battery Energy Storage System to Saft, a subsidiary of TotalEnergies.
